This southern fried cabbage recipe is a delightful combination of savory flavors and tender textures. The crispy bacon adds a smoky richness, while the cabbage becomes wonderfully tender as it cooks. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that brings a touch of Southern comfort to your table.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in your pantry or refrigerator. However, if you don't usually keep bacon on hand, you'll need to pick some up at the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have fresh cabbage and garlic for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe
Cabbage: A leafy green or purple vegetable that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture to the dish.
Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base when cooked until translucent.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of color to the dish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your bacon is perfectly crispy, start by placing it in a cold skillet and gradually increase the heat. This allows the fat to render out slowly, resulting in evenly cooked, crispy pieces. When adding the cabbage, make sure to stir frequently to coat it thoroughly with the bacon grease for maximum flavor. If you prefer a bit of a smoky kick, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chopped cabbage - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and can hold up well to frying, providing a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
chopped bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that still provides a smoky flavor.
chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though it will have a slightly different intensity.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of liquid to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, often described as more earthy.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the flavor profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the Southern fried cabbage to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- Transfer the cooled cabbage into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent any contamination.
- For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The fried cabbage will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing. Portion the cabbage into freezer-safe bags or containers. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
- Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. This is especially useful for meal planning.
- When ready to use, thaw the cabbage in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps retain its texture.
- Reheat the Southern fried cabbage in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
- Stir occasionally until heated through. This ensures even warming and maintains the dish's delicious flavors.
- Enjoy your Southern fried cabbage as a side dish or incorporate it into other recipes for a quick and tasty meal.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Once the oil or butter is hot, add the leftover Southern Fried Cabbage.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is warmed through.
- If the cabbage seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Microwave Method:
- Place the Southern Fried Cabbage in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the cabbage and check the temperature.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the cabbage is heated through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Southern Fried Cabbage in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Southern Fried Cabbage in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check the temperature and continue heating if necessary.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the bacon, onions, garlic, and cabbage.
Spatula: A tool for stirring and flipping ingredients in the skillet.
Knife: Used for chopping the cabbage, bacon, and onion, and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: A surface for safely chopping the cabbage, bacon, onion, and garlic.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Mixing bowl: A bowl to temporarily hold the cooked bacon pieces.
Tongs: Useful for stirring and turning the cabbage to ensure even cooking.
Paper towels: Used to drain excess grease from the cooked bacon.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the cabbage, onion, and garlic ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using store-bought pre-cooked bacon; just heat it up in the skillet.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
One-pan method: Cook everything in one large skillet to minimize cleanup time.
Prep seasoning mix: Combine salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl beforehand.

Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage chopped
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- 1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet.
- 2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 4. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to coat with the bacon grease. Cook until the cabbage is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- 5. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces.
- 6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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